Mark Zuckerberg defends Freedom of Speech on Facebook #JeSuisCharlie

Mark Zuckerberg has some very specific views when it comes to controversial content on the social network that he founded. While some have contended that after the attack in France at a satirical magazine – that content to some degree should be filtered, to protect lives. Zuckerberg said, “I’m committed to building a service where you can speak freely without fear or violence,” and his sentiments are largely supported around the United States and the rest of the world.

Peaceful protests had broken out earlier in the week following the violent attack that left several dead as gunmen acting on behalf of extreme views left several dead. In a Facebook post, the CEO and founder of Facebook made a statement, remembering an occasion where he was targeted by an extremist in Pakistan for content that one individual found offensive.

“A few years ago, an extremist in Pakistan fought to have me sentenced to death because Facebook refused to ban content about Mohammed that offended him. We stood up for this because different voice – even if they’re sometimes offensive – can make the world a better and more interesting place,” Zuckerberg said in reflection of his personal encounter with extremism.

#JeSuisCharlie (I am Charlie), says Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.

He also noted, “Yet as I reflect on yesterday’s attack and my own experience with extremism, this is what we all need to reject – a group of extremists trying to silence the voices and opinions of everyone else around the world.”

His sentiments though are shared by a number of high-profile companies in the United States. Specifically, several major tech companies have voiced their concern over editing content, or moderating content to ensure that everyone always approves. Apple and Google were two other companies that vowed support to ensuring the content online is never moderated or impacted by extreme views.

Zuckerberg said, “I won’t let that happen on Facebook,” regarding the notion that any entity – especially extremists – would be allowed to manipulate somehow or control the content that is found on our own waves. He ended his post by saying, “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the people of France and the people all over the world who choose to share their views and ideas, even when that takes courage.”